Composite services delivery

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for deploying and delivering composite services in an NGN network. A composite service enabling data processing system can include multiple channel servlets enabled to establish multiple different channels of access to a common session for a composite service. The system also can include a location registry including a table of entries associating the different channels of access with the common session for the composite service. The system yet further can include a model servlet configured for coupling to a model for the common session and for modifying state data in the model for the single session. Finally, the the model servlet can be enabled to synchronize views for each of the different channels of access to the common session for the composite service responsive to changes detected in the model.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of next generation networking(NGN) and more particularly to the deployment and delivery of compositeservices over an NGN network.

2. Description of the Related Art

Next generation networking (NGN) refers to emerging computing networkingtechnologies that natively support data, video and voice transmissions.In contrast to the circuit switched telephone networks of days gone by,NGN networks are packet switched and combine voice and data in a singlenetwork. Generally, NGN networks are categorized by a split between callcontrol and transport. Also, in NGN networks, all information istransmitted via packets which can be labeled according to theirrespective type. Accordingly, individual packets are handled differentlydepending upon the type indicated by a corresponding label.

The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) is an open, standardized, operatorfriendly, NGN multimedia architecture for mobile and fixed services. IMSis a Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) implementation based upon avariant of the session initiation protocol (SIP), and runs over thestandard Internet protocol (IP). Telecom operators in NGN networks offernetwork controlled multimedia services through the utilization of IMS.The aim of IMS is to provide new services to users of an NGN network inaddition to currently available services. This broad aim of IMS issupported through the extensive use of underlying IP compatibleprotocols and corresponding IP compatible interfaces. In this way, IMScan merge the Internet with the wireless, cellular space so as toprovide to cellular technologies ubiquitous access useful servicesdeployed on the Internet.

Multimedia services can be distributed both within NGN networks andnon-NGN networks, alike, through the use of markup specified documents.In the case of a service having a visual interface, visually orientedmarkup such as the extensible hypertext markup language (XHTML) and itsmany co-species can specify the visual interface for a service whenrendered in a visual content browser through a visual content channel,for instance a channel governed by the hypertext transfer protocol(HTTP). By comparison, an audio interface can be specified for a serviceby voice oriented markup such as the voice extensible markup language(VoiceXML). In the case of an audio interface, a separate voice channel,for instance a channel governed according to SIP.

In many circumstances, it is preferred to configure services to bedelivered across multiple, different channels of differing modalities,including the voice mode and the visual mode. In this regard, a serviceprovider not always can predict the interactive modality through which aservice is to be accessed by a given end user. To accommodate thisuncertainty, a service can be prepared for delivery through eachanticipated modality, for instance by way of voice markup and visualmarkup. Generating multiple different markup documents to satisfy thedifferent modalities of access, however, can be tedious. In consequence,merging technologies such as the XHTML+VoiceXML (X+V) have been utilizedto simplify the development process.

Specifically, X+V represents one technical effort to produce amultimodal application development environment. In X+V, XHTML andVoiceXML can be mixed in a single document. The XHTML portion of thedocument can manage visual interactions with an end user, while theVoiceXML portion of the document can manage voice interactions with theend user. In X+V, command, control and content navigation can be enabledwhile simultaneously rendering multimodal content. In this regard, theX+V profile specifies how to compute grammars based upon the visualhyperlinks present in a page.

Processing X+V documents, however, requires the use of a proprietarybrowser in the client devices utilized by end users when accessing thecontent. Distributing multimedia services to a wide array of end userdevices, including pervasive devices across NGN networks, can bedifficult if one is to assume that all end user devices areproprietarily configured to handle X+V and other unifying technologies.Rather, at best, it can only be presumed that devices within an NGNnetwork are equipped to process visual interactions within one, standardchannel of communication, and voice interactions within a second,standard channel of communication.

Thus, despite the promise of X+V, to truly support multiple modalitiesof interaction with services distributed about an NGN or, even a non-NGNnetwork, different channels of communications must be established foreach different modality of access. Moreover, each service must beseparately specified for each different modality. Finally, once asession has been established across one modality of access to a service,one is not able to change mid-session to a different modality of accessto the same service within the same session. As a result, theinteractions across different channels accommodating differentmodalities of interaction remain unsynchronized and separate.Consequently, end users cannot freely switch between modalities ofaccess for services in an NGN network.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art inrespect to deploying and delivering a service to be accessed throughdifferent channels of access in an NGN network, and provide a novel andnon-obvious method, system and apparatus for deploying and deliveringcomposite services in an NGN network. As used herein, a compositeservice is a service deployed across an NGN network that has beenenabled to be accessed through multiple, different modalities of accessin correspondingly different channels in a common session whilemaintaining the synchronization of the state of the service between thedifferent channels of access.

In a first embodiment of the invention, a composite service enablingdata processing system can include multiple channel servlets enabled toestablish for a common session, multiple different channels of access tothe composite service. The system also can include a location registryincluding a table of entries associating the different channels ofaccess with the common session. The system yet further can include amodel servlet configured for coupling to a model for the common sessionand for modifying state data in the model for the common session.Finally, the model servlet can be enabled to synchronize views for eachof the different channels of access to the composite service responsiveto changes detected in the model.

In another embodiment of the invention, a composite services enablementmethod can include establishing multiple channels of access for a commonsession for a composite service, and synchronizing changes of state fora model corresponding to the common session in a view for each of thechannels of access to the common session. Establishing the multiplechannels of access to the common session for the composite service caninclude establishing for the common session at least a voice channel ofaccess to the common session, and a visual channel of access to thecommon session.

Also, synchronizing changes of state for the model in a view for each ofthe channels of access to the services can include maintaining the statefor the model, creating listeners for changes of the state for themodel, detecting changes in the state for the model in the listeners,and updating the view for each of the channels of access to the commonsession responsive to detecting the changes of state for the model inthe listeners. Finally, the common session can be established formultiple channels of access to a composite service in an IMS for an NGNnetwork.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspectsof the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elementsand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It isto be understood that both the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only andare not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute partof this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred,it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to theprecise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration of an IMS configured for use with adata processing system arranged to deploy and deliver composite servicesin an NGN network;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a data processing system arrangedto deploy and deliver composite services in an NGN network; and,

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for delivering compositeservices in an NGN network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system andcomputer program product for delivering composite services in an NGNnetwork. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,different channels of access to a service can be established foraccessing a service through corresponding different modalities of accessincluding voice and visual modes. Specifically, interactions with aservice within a session can be provided across selected ones of thedifferent channels, each channel corresponding to a different modalityof access to the service. In the case of a voice modality and a visualmodality, a separate markup document can be utilized in each selectedchannel according to the particular modality for that channel.

Importantly, each channel utilized for accessing a service within asession can be associated with each other channel accessing the servicewithin the same session. In consequence, the state of the service—storedwithin a model in a model-view-controller architecture—can be maintainedirrespective of the channel used to change the state of the service.Moreover, the representation of the service can be synchronized in eachview for the selected ones of the different channels. As such, an enduser can interact with the service in a single session across differentchannels of access using different modalities of access withoutrequiring burdensome, proprietary logic deployed within a clientcomputing device.

Advantageously, the system of the present invention can be embodiedwithin an IMS in a NGN network. In illustration, FIG. 1 is a pictorialillustration of an IMS configured for use with a data processing systemarranged to deploy and deliver composite services in an NGN network. Asshown in FIG. 1, a composite service enablement data processing system200 can be arranged to deploy and deliver a composite multimedia service180 in an NGN network 120. As used herein, a “composite multimediaservice” can be a service configured to be accessed through multipledifferent views of different modalities across correspondingly differentchannels of communications.

More specifically, the composite multimedia service 180 can be accessedthrough several different modalities, including a visual mode, aninstant messaging mode and a voice mode. Each modality of access can beproduced by a developer 190 through the use of a service deployment tool170. The service deployment tool 170 can be configured to produce thedifferent modalities of access for the composite multimedia service 180,including visual markup to provide visual access to the compositemultimedia service 180, and voice markup to provide audible access tothe composite multimedia service 180.

One or more gateway server platforms 110 can be coupled to the compositeservice enablement data processing system 200. Each of gateway serverplatforms 110 can facilitate the establishment of a communicationchannel for accessing the composite multimedia service 180 according toa particular modality of access. For example, the gateway serverplatforms 110 can include a content server such as a Web server enabledto serve visual markup for accessing the composite multimedia service180 over the NGN network 120 through a visual mode. Likewise, thegateway server platforms 110 can include a voice server enabled toprovide audible access to the composite multimedia service 180 over theNGN network 120 through an audible mode.

End users 130 can access the composite multimedia service 180 utilizingany one of a selection of client access devices 150. Application logicwithin each of the client access devices 150 can provide an interfacefor a specific modality of access. Examples include a content browserwithin a personal computing device, an audible user interface within apervasive device, a telephonic user interface within a telephonehandset, and the like. Importantly, each of the provided modalities ofaccess can utilize a separate one of multiple channels 160 establishedwith a corresponding gateway server platform 110 over the network 120for the same session with the composite multimedia service 180. In thisregard, a session with the composite multimedia service 180 can subsistacross the multiple channels 160 to provide different modalities ofaccess to the composite multimedia service 180 for one of the end users130.

In more particular illustration, FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration ofthe composite service enablement data processing system 200 of FIG. 1.The composite service enablement data processing system 200 can operatein a application server 275 and can include multiple channel servlets235 configured to process communicative interactions with correspondingsessions 225 for a composite multimedia service over different channelsof access 245, 250, 255 for different endpoint types 260A, 260B, 260C inan NGN network. In this regard, the channel servlets 235 can processvoice interactions as a voice enabler and voice server to visualendpoint 260A incorporating a voice interface utilizing the Real TimeProtocol (RTP) over HTTP, or a voice endpoint 260B utilizing SIP.Likewise, the channel servlets 235 can process visual interactions as aWeb application to a visual endpoint 160A. As yet another example, thechannel servlets 235 can process instant message interactions as aninstant messaging server to an instant messaging endpoint 260C.

More specifically, the channel servlets 235 can be enabled to processHTTP requests for interactions with a corresponding session 225 for acomposite multimedia service. The HTTP requests can originate from avisual mode oriented Web page over a visual channel 245, from a visualmode oriented instant messaging interface over an instant messagingchannel 255, or even in a voice mode over a voice channel 250 enabled bySIP. Similarly, the channel servlets 235 can be enabled to process SIPrequests for interactions with a corresponding session 225 for acomposite multimedia service through a voice enabler which can includesuitable voice markup, such as VoiceXML and call control extensiblemarkup language (CCXML) coupled to a SIPlet which, in combination, canbe effective in processing voice interactions for the correspondingsession 225 for the composite multimedia service, as it is known in theart.

Each of the channel servlets 235 can be coupled to a model servlet 220.The model servlet 220 can mediate interactions with a model 210 for anassociated one of the sessions 225. Each of the sessions 225 can bemanaged within a session manager 220 which can correlate differentchannels of communication established through the channel servlets 235with a single corresponding one of the sessions 225. The correlation ofthe different channels of communication can be facilitated through theuse of a coupled location registry 230. The location registry 230 caninclude a table indicating a host name of systems and channels activefor the corresponding one of the sessions 225.

The model servlet 215 can include program code enabled to access a model210 for a corresponding session 225 for a composite multimedia serviceproviding different channels of access 245, 250, 255 through differentendpoints 260A, 260B, 260C. For instance, the model 210 can beencapsulated within an entity bean within a bean container. Moreover,the model 210 can store session data for a corresponding one of thesessions 225 irrespective of the channel of access 245, 250, 255 throughwhich the session data for the corresponding one of the sessions 225 iscreated, removed or modified.

Notably, changes in state for each of the sessions 225 for a compositemultimedia service can be synchronized across the different views 260for the different channels of access 245, 250, 255 through a listenerarchitecture. The listener architecture can include one or morelisteners 240 for each model 210. Each listener can correspond to adifferent channel of access 245, 250, 255 and can detect changes instate for the model 210. Responsive to detecting changes in state forthe model 210 for a corresponding one of the sessions 225 for acomposite multimedia service, a listener 240 can provide a notificationto subscribing view 260 through a corresponding one of the channelservlets 235 so as to permit the subscribing views 260 to refresh toincorporate the detected changes in state for the model 210.

In further illustration, FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a processfor synchronizing state changes in a model across different viewsproviding different modalities of access across different channels for asingle session with a composite multimedia service. Beginning in block305, a session can be established to access a service through a viewhaving a particular modality of access. The session can be establishedover a particular communications channel. Subsequently, in block 310,access to the service can be provided over the particular communicationschannel. In decision block 315, if a new channel has not beenestablished over which the service is accessed, in decision block 320,access to the service can continue over the particular communicationschannel until the session is terminated in block 325.

In decision block 315, if a new channel of communications is establishedover which the service is to be accessed utilizing a different modalityof access, in block 330, a listener service can be created for theservice for the different views for each communications channel. Inblock 335, access can be provided to the service over the newcommunications channel. In decision block 340, if a change in state forthe service is detected, in block 345, the view can be synchronized foreach communications channel established through which the service isaccessed utilizing a different modality of access. Subsequently, indecision block 350, if the session is to continue, access can continueto be provided to the service in block 335. Otherwise, the process canend in block 355.

Embodiments of the invention can take the form of an entirely hardwareembodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment containingboth hardware and software elements. In a preferred embodiment, theinvention is implemented in software, which includes but is not limitedto firmware, resident software, microcode, and the like. Furthermore,the invention can take the form of a computer program product accessiblefrom a computer-usable or computer-readable medium providing programcode for use by or in connection with a computer or any instructionexecution system.

For the purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computerreadable medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store,communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or inconnection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or apropagation medium. Examples of a computer-readable medium include asemiconductor or solid state memory, magnetic tape, a removable computerdiskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), arigid magnetic disk and an optical disk. Current examples of opticaldisks include compact disk—read only memory (CD-ROM), compactdisk—read/write (CD-R/W) and DVD.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executing programcode will include at least one processor coupled directly or indirectlyto memory elements through a system bus. The memory elements can includelocal memory employed during actual execution of the program code, bulkstorage, and cache memories which provide temporary storage of at leastsome program code in order to reduce the number of times code must beretrieved from bulk storage during execution. Input/output or I/Odevices (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, pointingdevices, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly or throughintervening I/O controllers. Network adapters may also be coupled to thesystem to enable the data processing system to become coupled to otherdata processing systems or remote printers or storage devices throughintervening private or public networks. Modems, cable modem and Ethernetcards are just a few of the currently available types of networkadapters.

1. A composite service enabling data processing system comprising: aplurality of channel servlets enabled to establish multiple differentchannels of access to a common session for a composite service; alocation registry comprising a table of entries associating thedifferent channels of access with the common session for the compositeservice; and, a model servlet configured for coupling to a model for thecommon session, for modifying state data in the model for the commonsession, and to synchronize views for each of the different channels ofaccess to the common session responsive to changes detected in themodel;
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the channel servlets comprise avoice enabler and voice server enabled to establish for the commonsession, a voice channel of access to the common session for thecomposite service.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the channelservlets and model servlet are disposed in an application server.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the channel servlets and model servlet aredisposed in an Internet protocol (IP) multimedia subsystem (IMS) in anext generation networking (NGN) network.
 5. A composite servicesenablement method comprising: establishing multiple channels of accessto a common session for a composite service; and, synchronizing changesof state in a model corresponding to the common session in a view foreach of the channels of access to the common session.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, wherein establishing multiple channels of access to a commonsession for a composite service, comprises establishing for the commonsession at least a voice channel of access to the common session, and avisual channel of access to the common session.
 7. The method of claim5, wherein establishing multiple channels of access for a common sessionto a composite service, comprises establishing for a common session to acomposite service in a next generation networking (NGN) network at leasta voice channel of access to the common session, and a visual channel ofaccess to the common session.
 8. The method of claim 5, whereinsynchronizing changes of state for the model in a view for each of thechannels of access to the common session, comprises: maintaining thestate of the model for the common session; creating listeners forchanges of the state for the model; detecting changes in the state forthe model in the listeners; and, updating the view for each of thechannels of access to the common session responsive to detecting thechanges of state for the model in the listeners.
 9. A computer programproduct comprising a computer usable medium having computer usableprogram code for composite services enablement, the computer programproduct including: computer usable program code for establishingmultiple channels of access to a common session for a composite service;and, computer usable program code for synchronizing changes of state fora model corresponding to the common session in a view for each of thechannels of access to the common session.
 10. The computer programproduct of claim 9, wherein the computer usable program code forestablishing multiple channels of access to a common session for acomposite service, comprises computer usable program code forestablishing at least a voice channel of access to the common session,and a visual channel of access to the common session.
 11. The computerprogram product of claim 9, wherein the computer usable program code forestablishing multiple channels of access to a common session for acomposite service, comprises computer usable program code forestablishing for a common session, in a next generation networking (NGN)network at least a voice channel of access to the common session, and avisual channel of access to the common session.
 12. The computer programproduct of claim 9, wherein the computer usable program code forsynchronizing changes of state for the model corresponding to the commonsession in a view for each of the channels of access to the commonsession, comprises: computer usable program code for maintaining thestate of the model for the common session; computer usable program codefor creating listeners for changes of the state for the model; computerusable program code for detecting changes in the state for the model inthe listeners; and, computer usable program code for updating the viewfor each of the channels of access to the services responsive todetecting the changes of state for the model in the listeners.